He followed his mother back to
their seat after being
signed with the ashen cross. He was five then and he believed with
the heart of a child. Will the ashes go into your brain and make
you a good person? he whispered to his mother. And will they
stay on your forehead when you go to sleep? he asked. He had to
know. Not if he would be changed, but how he
would be changed.
Let the children come to me
for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew
19:14 |
Step by measured step, the elderly man guided his
walker to the cross. He paused with reverent mien and bowed his
thanks to the crucified Christ. His Good Friday recompense
fulfilled, he turned and slowly made his way, hands grasping the
metal Simon aiding his journey.
If anyone wishes to come after
me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow
me. Luke 9:23 |
The pretense of poise belied his
anxiousness as he sat among those to be received. In affirmation of
his conversion call, he joined the others, in the profession of
faith. Then -- sacramental grace! Be sealed with the Holy
Spirit. The Body of Christ. Fragrant oil, holy
bread, tangible Spirit, touchable God. Transformation! The Emmaus
journey begins with an alleluia awakening!
And behold, I am
with you always, until the end of the age. Mark 28:20
-- Mary Ticknor Rhinelander, Wis.
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